Lara's protege hits debut century Australia thrash West Indies

Dubai : West Indies lost to Australia by an innings and 65 runs in the Brisbane Test but not before 19-year-old Adrian Barath, who idolises Brian Lara, cracked a fighting 104 in West Indies second innings total of 187.

It was Lara who spotted Barath at a net session at Queen's Park Oval at the age of 11 and encouraged him. The legendary batsman wanting to inspire the boy even took him as his guest to watch a few matches between England and West Indies in 2007.

Barath thanked his idol by scoring a debut century. He became the seventh youngest batsman in Test history to post a century on debut and also the youngest ever West Indian, breaking a 79-year-old record held by George Headley. "I am sure he'll be proud of this achievement," remarked Barath referring to Lara.

Australia displayed their confidence by declaring first innings at 480 for 8.

West Indies could muster only 228 runs in reply. Barath scored only 15 runs in the first innings. West Indies could not have scoreed that many runs without Travis Dowlin's 62. Mitchell Johnson and Nathan Hauritz took three wickets each to destroy West Indies innings.

Forced to follow on, West Indies lost their skipper and opener Chris Gayle for 1 and were reduced to 39 for 3 at one stage. Barath took up the challenge and he and Dwayne Bravo took the score past the 100-run mark. After Bravo fell for 23, Hauritz struck twice in quick succession and bowled out West Indies for 187 runs.

Scoreboard

Australia first innings: 480 for 8

West Indies first innings: 228

West Indies second innings: 187 (Adrian Barath 104, Ben Hilfenhaus 3 for 20, Shane Watson 2 for 44, Nathan Hauritz 2 for 40)

Man of the match: Ben Hilfenhaus.